TV INTERVIEW: ANALYSIS Expert discusses Threat of Disinformation Ahead of the 2024 EU Elections

4 Jun, 2024

Jakob-Moritz Eberl emphasized the urgent need to counter disinformation ahead of the 2024 European Parliament elections, highlighting the role of professional fact-checkers and media literacy. His points align with the ERASMUS+ project ANALYSIS, which aims to improve media training to combat misinformation.

In a recent interview on Zeit im Bild 3 on ORF1, project member Jakob-Moritz Eberl (UNIVIE) discussed the pressing issue of disinformation as the 2024 European Parliament elections approach. Eberl highlighted the significant threat posed by foreign actors, which seeks to bolster EU-skeptical parties to undermine European support for Ukraine. This presents a tangible threat that requires robust countermeasures to safeguard democratic processes.

Eberl emphasized the need for a resilient society capable of withstanding disinformation. He stressed the importance of a stable infrastructure for professional fact-checkers, which forms the backbone for verifying information and debunking falsehoods.

Moreover, Eberl advocated for the democratization of fact-checking, empowering all citizens with the tools and media literacy necessary to critically evaluate information and recognize false narratives. This approach aligns with the concept of “inoculation,” where equipping people with the skills to identify and resist misinformation acts as a preventative measure.

These points align seamlessly with the overall aims of the ERASMUS+ project ANALYSIS. The project strives to increase the availability, attractiveness, and flexibility of training opportunities for current and future media professionals. By doing so, it contributes to the digital transformation of the media sector, ensuring that media professionals are well-equipped to tackle the challenges posed by disinformation.

Sebastian Sherrah

Sebastian Sherrah